Archives by date

MINUTES of the MHNA General Membership Meeting
October 18, 2005
University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave SE

1. Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm by President Brian Biele.
2. The agenda was approved.
3. Council Member Zerby addressed those present
4. Motions passed at the board earlier this evening:
   • The Executive Committee at its last meeting decided to hire a police officer and someone from Mpls Mediation for October general membership meeting – cost $175. The Executive Committee also voted to allow one of the MHNA bank accounts (Special Events) to be used for SE Library Task Force expenses with MHNA acting as fiscal agent. All three SE Neighborhoods and DBA have contributed $500 toward the planning portion.
   • Safety & Livability Committee – The committee decided to accept oral Restorative Justice apologies at their meetings. The committee would like to try to monitor crime and safety issues with a daily public email like Prospect Park has. The committee is also tackling graffiti, rental code violations, underage drinking, noisy parties. They are also looking into our police buy-back program. The committee meets the second Monday at 7 pm (new location beginning November 14 – First Cong Church, 800 5th St SE).
   • Student Affairs Committee– Tarlene Richards has graduated so the committee is looking for a replacement on the board. Once the student liaison is hired, an ideal part of that job would be to supervise/facilitate the Restorative Justice jobs. If we can organize some projects that take 10 – 15 people it would be good – neighborhood could see the effect more easily. This would be a good blend of Restorative Justice/ Safety & Livability/ NRP. A consensus headcount showed board support for this concept.
   • Land Use Report
     • 514 6th St SE. HPC will be considering a demolition permit recently submitted by the current (bank) owner. Neighborhood historian Penny Petersen brought her findings on the history of the house. It was built in 1881 for John F. Wilcox, who was in the wood manufacturing business and later started the Wilcox Motor Co. The property is adjacent to the 5th St Historic District. It, along with several other buildings in the immediate vicinity, was identified as being eligible for landmark designation in 1981 as part of a citywide survey. Since Mr Wilcox is associated with the development of the lumber industry in St Anthony, which is one of the significant associations that is outlined in the statement of significance for the adjacent 5th St Historic District, this property is associated with the same theme as the historic district. After discussion, including the MHNA Master Plan sections that support preservation of single family homes in the low density core; that call for rehabilitation rather than demolition and rebuilding; that call for the preservation of the historic character of the neighborhood; and that callfor flexibility with some city codes when applied to historic buildings, the board unanimously passed a motion (A Fraser ) to:
       • urge the Heritage Preservation Commission to block the demolition and consider it for inclusion in the 5th St Historic District
       • reaffirm that the property is in a low-density core and should not be upzoned from its current R2B if the lot becomes vacant
       • look favorably on variances within the present zoning that may be needed to make the reuse of this historic building feasible
       • continue to oppose spot zoning anywhere in the neighborhood.
     • Flour Sack Flats changed plan went to Planning Commission and passed with some conditions: an arrangement will be made to move, store and reinstall the Moroni sculptures and replace any plantings if needed, when the construction is finished. Project is approved for 55 dwelling units, Work units subject to occupation rules, site plan approved.
     • The A-Mill project goes before the HPC on Nov 22. Reps from that project will be at the Nov 8 Land Use meeting.
     • 700/708 Central update – Warehouse conversion to residential units project: Four stories at 700 Central (five stories at 708 Central) Proposal for addition of recessed two floors to building at 700 Central, make sure the old buildings architecture remains. Bottom level is glass (eyes on the street approach). Market data is triggering 1000 sq. feet units Total of 90 units Not significant change from outside. Behind building there will be courtyard with trees and green space. Parking underneath (2 of them) At least one secure space per tenant. Parking lot will be for retail. Planning on closing on property October 21. No action taken by MHNA so far.
   • NRP – A Phase II Scope of Services and Budget were mailed to board members in advance of the meeting. The administration budget will be dwindling so that means MHNA will be losing some financial support. One suggestion – less paper more email. A motion to support the new Phase II Scope of Services and administration budget passed unanimously.
     A Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional consultants to do more detailed planning on three areas identified in the Marcy-Holmes Master Plan find, evaluate and publicize specific development opportunities the neighborhood was also approved by the board. The consultant would work with the Land Use Committee.
   • Misc – Tomorrow evening the Park Board will be voting on closing down the Stone Arch Bridge for special events. After reviewing the history of the bridge and its rebirth as a vital amenity to the neighborhood and city, the board voted unanimously on a (Distad) motion to oppose closing any part of the Stone Arch Bridge to public access except for reasons of safety.
5. Minneapolis Mediation’s Annette Minor conducted the by-laws vote portion of the meeting. In accordance with the law, MHNA mailed out the by-laws amendments proposal 30 days before the meeting. Shuo Wang, who proposed the by laws changes, introduced them along with his rationale. Next Brian Biele informed all of the reasons the board opposed the amendments. All five motions were made (D Carlson) and seconded but failed on 26-7 votes.
6. Parks Commissioner Walt Dziedzic spoke about the board vote to oppose closing the Stone Arch Bridge for events. Then he introduced Randy Windsperger, NE/SE district forester. He will be working on the 100 new boulevard trees coming to the neighborhood next spring. There will be several varieties, including a hybrid elm. Others include: Japanese tree lilacs, ginkos, maples and oaks. The recent storm damage set back their work a few weeks. A tree survey has been done and residents should receive notices if their boulevard is slated to get a new tree. Residents must agree to water the tree., Mr Windsperger answered several questions about tree care. His phone number is: 370-4849 if people have boulevard tree questions. We have 125 stumps in the neighborhood now on their schedule to be removed. If people have a marked tree on their boulevard, due to Dutch Elm disease, and they want to try saving it, call him after your contractor has been called. Try to keep the Park Forestry dept in the loop if you are treating boulevard elms. Note – NRP still has funding for our Dutch Elm Disease Prevention grants – call 623-7923 for info.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm Melissa Bean, Executive Director